I want to discuss Valances, we don't make many of them, but the few we do make, we really try to make count. This shaped pleated valance below is made from a silk embroidered fabric with a shot silk organza overlay. The pattern is embroidered through both layers of silk and the organza is burnt out to expose the underlying silk. There were three different window arrangements in the room, windows above bench seating, door to the patio and a large window. For the windows above the bench seating we opted for a three layer treatment, sheer shades, Silk trimmed romans and a pleated valance, trimmed again. The valances had stuffed goblet headings, and were hung from custom made curtain poles with the most amazing hand carved finials we have ever seen! Please note the detail in the room, from the incredible ceiling, the amazing wood panelling and the hand painted William Morris inspired mural. Yummy.
Another amazing room, in here we opted for a totally different style of valance. This has a name but I'll just call it "Lot o' Work"! Four layers cover this window, from privacy shades, to an amazing black lace sheer, the magnificent silk curtains, and the valance.... all under a crown cornice. This room had a tremendous amount of detail in the wall covering, the casings, everything. Picking window coverings for a room like this can be challenging. I chose the soft shape of the valance to contrast with the structure of the room, and the rigidity of the valance itself. I think the choice of tan and red was a good one. The black detailing really adds a little strength tot he treatment and really highlights the trimming. I am really proud of us for pulling this one off, it was not an easy feat.
Below you can see Anna, whose hands are so fast they blur even while still, arranging the valance just after we installed it. Although there is a simplicity to our work, this image will show just how much work goes into every single piece. This Valance was ENTIRELY hand made, and hand basted at every step. You can see all the basting stitches in the valance, these are to keep the valance in shape, train it and make it bombproof while transporting it. Almost every single treatment in our shop is hand made with hundreds of little stitches holding the pieces together. Bating is used instead of pins ... and is removed at hanging.
